PHILADELPHIA — A Jan. 28 trial date has been set for a local couple accused of purchasing more than $1 million in stolen ink and toner cartridges from a former Philadelphia city employee.

Patty Hartman, spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's Office, said Derek and Danita Willis of Russellville were released from federal custody following a Dec. 10 bond hearing. Derek Willis was released on a $100,000 bond secured by property, Hartman said, and Danita Willis was released on a $25,000 appearance bond.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania charged the owners of Laser Cartridge Plus with five counts of mail fraud for their involvement with Calvin Duncan, a former Philadelphia Water Department mail clerk who used that city's funds to place more than $1.3 million in excess orders for ink and toner. Investigators said Duncan had the cartridges shipped to Laser Cartridge Plus in exchange for $545,000.

Hartman said both Derek and Danita Willis are scheduled to appear at a Jan. 18 hearing in Philadelphia to request a continuance.

The charges against Derek Willis carry a maximum sentence of 120 years imprisonment and a fine of $2.25 million, according to a release from Hartman's office. The charges against Danita Willis carry a maximum sentence of 110 years imprisonment and a $1.75 million fine.